Patent attributes
Lifter cups are provided for engaging and lifting objects and include a mounting portion and a flexible engaging portion. The flexible engaging portion is configured to form a sealing disk for engaging the object. The sealing disk has channels diffusing fluid from the contact surface with the object. The channel walls have raised portions separated by concentric slits. For handling objects of magnetic material, a permanent magnet may be recessed into the flexible engaging portion. When the sealing disk engages with the surface of the object, the magnet exerts a magnetic force on the object sufficient to support holding the object for additional lateral support when lifting away from the center of gravity of the object. A transfer assembly and a method of configuring a lifter device for use in a stamping process for manufacturing a vehicle are also provided.
